Coroner: Vigo Co. 9-Year-Old Who Died of Starvation Had Meth in System

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. – A 9-year-old Vigo County boy who weighed less than 15 pounds had methamphetamine in his system at the time of his death, according to new charges filed Monday.

Cameron R. Hoopingarner, 9, was found severely malnourished in a home in northern Vigo County in late February. He was taken to Union Hospital, where he later died.

On Monday, the Vigo County Sheriff's Office announced that four adults already facing accusations of felony neglect in the case – Hubert Kraemer, 56, Chad Kraemer, 33, Robin Kraemer, 53, and Sarah Travioli, 30 – had been charged with new counts of maintaining a common nuisance and visiting a common nuisance.

Chief Deputy John Moats said the additional charges stem from autopsy results showing Hoopingarner had methamphetamine in his system at the time of his death.

According to Indiana State Police, Hoopingarner was blind and suffered from cerebral palsy. He weighed only 14.8 pounds when he died, according to Pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr.

Vigo County Sheriff Greg Ewing said it was the worst case of malnutrition he had seen in his 26 years on the job.

Two other children, ages 3 and 5, were removed from the home following Hoopingarner's death and placed into the custody of Child Protective Services.